This past weekend I had the honor of preaching at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. Just as the first of three services was beginning, I noticed a commotion going on about three rows back in the front of the magnificent sanctuary. An elderly gentleman slumped over and froze in position that caused me instantaneously to wonder if this was his last day in this world.
As several individuals rose to the occasion and all the appropriate actions were taken to respond to the crisis, at least five trains of through faced through my mind in the span of a just few seconds. “Does he know Jesus… is that his dear wife sitting next to him, obviously in a state of alarm… how did he invest his life… how could this happen just before Christmas…does he have any regrets, any unfinished business with family or friends… what will his children think… how many grand-children will he leave… will they call off this service?”
How relieved I was that within twenty seconds of his “slumpage” this dear man walked right in front of me as a couple of ushers assisted him out of the sanctuary. He was perfectly fine… just a false alarm. The service proceded without a hitch, but once again I was reminded that our days are indeed numbered by the Lord. None of us should ever presume on one more day of life. I’m just a little over two years short of turning 60. My mother died when I was 11 and she was barely 38.
I don’t want to waste any more time on petty grudges… living a too-busy life… taking relationships for granted… being unnecessarily irritated… preparing for tomorrow to the exception of engaging in today… hoarding instead of giving… watching instead of dancing… noticing when people “do it wrong” rather than applauding every time they “do it right”… whinning rather than hoping… feeling left out instead of going out of my way to welcome others…
These aren’t end of the year resolutions, just fresh reminders of what the gospel of God’s grace really can do in our hearts. Wouldn’t you love to grow sweeter and freer and not just older? Me too!